Summary: Life married to a Cartwright can be fun but challenging as well. Emma learns this when Adam has to go on a cattle drive at the last minute and Emma encounters her own danger on the ranch.<\/p>\n
Rating: PG, Word Count: 5909<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Author’s Note: A little background story with the Indian, that actually happened! It happened to my 4th Great Grandmother Jane Johnston Black. She’s from Ireland and they eventually moved to Southern Utah. Though in her story, the Indian wanted something but the story never said what so I said tobacco. The rest of Emma hitting the Indian in the head with the stick to the brave coming to Adam is all true! It’s one of my favorite stories of hers.<\/em><\/p>\n Stormy Nights and Injuries<\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter 1<\/p>\n Emma was hanging the wet laundered clothes on the line as Mary handed them to her mother. Emma looked down at her daughter and noticed she had been quiet. It was rare when Mary was quiet. She would usually talk about what was going on at school, what she saw around town, the things Hoss would show her about animals, and the pranks she and Adam would pull on Jimmy and Joe. It had worried Emma slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cYour birthday is coming up. Do you want a party? We can invite your friends over.\u201d Emma suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have any friends. Besides, it\u2019s Pa\u2019s birthday, too. He should choose what to do.\u201d Mary said sullenly.<\/p>\n Emma put a clip on the shoulder of Adam\u2019s shirt on the line and knelt down next to her daughter.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do you mean you don\u2019t have friends? What about Kirsten Andersen?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s moving to California this week.\u201d<\/p>\n Kirsten had been Mary\u2019s only friend. Many kids shunned Mary and Jimmy because they said they weren\u2019t real Cartwright\u2019s and they don\u2019t play with orphans. This had hurt Mary and she had kept it to herself. She had shielded her younger brother from it because he\u2019d finally been talking and she didn\u2019t want something else to make him stop talking again.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat would you like to do for your birthday?\u201d Emma repeated.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Pa\u2019s birthday, too. He should have a choice.\u201d Mary said again.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right, we\u2019ll talk to him when he gets home, which should be soon. Let\u2019s finish up the laundry and we\u2019ll go start supper.\u201d Emma got up and the mother and daughter finished the laundry.<\/p>\n It had been over a year since Adam adopted Mary and Jimmy and brought them home. Emma loved the children dearly. She knew she was blessed to have such wonderful children. Emma watched Mary gather the dishes and set the table then help her with the carrots. She didn\u2019t say anything.<\/p>\n \u201cMary, what\u2019s the matter? You didn\u2019t want to go with Pa to the Ponderosa and go see Uncle Hoss. You always jump at the chance to see him.\u201d Emma asked.<\/p>\n She had decided on stew and was cutting the potatoes and Mary cut the carrots. The meat was in the pan. Mary shrugged but didn\u2019t look at her mother.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know you can tell me.\u201d Emma said kindly.<\/p>\n She saw Mary\u2019s shoulders sag and then she looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cMa, why did Pa adopt me and Jimmy? He knew you were going to have a baby. Why would he want us?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe loved you both when he and Hoss saw you. They felt you both needed to be in the family.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut why both of us? Most of the kids in the orphanage got split up. They were never together. Did he do it to make himself look good?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are these questions coming from?\u201d Emma asked.<\/p>\n \u201cAt school we were talking about families and kids were saying that Jimmy and I were adopted to make Adam Cartwright look good because his wife couldn\u2019t produce a male heir. They said they heard people in town and their parents talk about it. Some have said Pa should divorce you and marry someone who can have his children.\u201d Mary explained.<\/p>\n Emma tightened her jaw and fought the tears that threatened to appear. Her heart broke for Mary to have to hear the gossip of the town. She didn\u2019t need to hear it. Mary started to cry and Emma pulled her daughter to her, wrapping her arms around her.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, Mary, please don\u2019t believe a word they say. They forget that your pa adopted Jimmy and you before he knew I lost the baby. He wanted older siblings for the baby. But he wanted you and your brother because he loved you both. He doesn\u2019t believe in separating families. He didn\u2019t do it to make the Cartwrights look good. Your pa would never divorce me because I can\u2019t carry a child. He has told me so and I\u2019m telling you this. You have been taken care of and loved by me, your pa, your uncles and your grandfather. I hope you believe me.\u201d Emma explained.<\/p>\n \u201cI do.\u201d Mary whispered.<\/p>\n Emma wiped the tears away and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI love you so much, Mary. Both you and Jimmy. You are my children. Now, how about we finish making supper before you pa comes home and takes a switch to us.\u201d Emma teased.<\/p>\n Mary giggled when she heard the last part. She knew that Adam would never raise a hand to her, Jimmy or Emma.<\/p>\n They had got back to making supper when a shadow filled the light in the doorway.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s good you\u2019re home.\u201d Emma said turning to the door to see Adam but instead saw an Indian.<\/p>\n Her smile dropped from her face. Mary slipped into the corner to try and hide. She had heard stories about Indians kidnapping children and women. She prayed they wouldn\u2019t be kidnapped.<\/p>\n The Indian came in and asked for tobacco.<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t have any. Please leave.\u201d<\/p>\n She tried to hide her fear as the brave walked up to her. Mary held her breath as she watched the Indian. He looked at the food and spit in it. Anger welled up in Emma as she grabbed a two-inch-thick stick for the fireplace and hit the Indian over the head. The stick broke in two over his head and he fell as if he\u2019d been shot. He scrambled out on his hands and knees trying to get up. When he reached the door he got up and ran out with Emma chasing him.<\/p>\n \u201cNever come back here you dirty savage! You\u2019ll get worse!\u201d Emma yelled as she stopped and watched the Indian running over the hill.<\/p>\n Emma returned to the house to check on Mary. She ran in and found her hidden in a corner. When Mary saw her mother she got up and ran to her. Emma felt her shaking and crying.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything is fine. We\u2019re all right.\u201d Emma soothed.<\/p>\n Just then the sound of boots and another shadow came in the door. Emma let go of Mary and spun around hiding the girl to protect her from the intruder. She saw it was Adam and collapsed. Adam ran to her worriedly.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, are you all right?\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n He put his arms around her and felt her shake. The shock of what had happened had worn off and Emma began to sob into his chest. Mary joined her parents and Adam put an arm around her. He saw the fear in his daughter\u2019s eyes and he became more concerned.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n Emma finally calmed down and told him what happened.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just glad you are both all right. That was brave of you to do what you did.\u201d Adam said and started to chuckle.<\/p>\n Emma looked up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy are you laughing?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m laughing because I was thinking about you breaking that stick over his head and yelling at him. I know I\u2019ve had your wrath before but I don\u2019t think I\u2019ve seen that much come from you.\u201d \u201cWhere\u2019s Jimmy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s at the Ponderosa. I asked him if he wanted to come but he said that he wanted to stay with Joe. Pa invited us to have dinner and by the sound of it, it\u2019s a welcomed invitation.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, it is. I wonder what mischief our son is up to with your brother. He\u2019s a bit of a bad influence on our son.\u201d Emma said with a smile on her face.<\/p>\n Adam helped Emma stand and picked Mary up. They headed out to the wagon. As Emma shut and locked the door, she heard a cry from Mary. Adam and Emma both turned to see where Mary was pointing. A small band of Indians came riding to the house. Emma ran to Adam and he gently pushed her behind him for protection. The Indians stopped a few feet in front of the small family. Adam could feel Emma shake. The Chief got off his horse and walked in front of Adam. Adam realized it was Chief Red Hawk of the Paiute tribe.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam Cartwright, you have a very brave squaw. Brave tell us what happen. We flogged him. He will not bother you or your family.\u201d The Chief assured.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you.\u201d Adam said shaking hands with the Chief.<\/p>\n The Chief nodded, got on his horse and left with his small band of men. Adam turned to his wife and she leaned on him.<\/p>\n \u201cI always knew I had a brave squaw.\u201d He said laughing. Emma laughed and so did Mary.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go to the Ponderosa.\u201d Adam said and helped Emma get up in the wagon.<\/p>\n Chapter 2<\/p>\n Later that night after dinner was over, Jimmy begged Joe to go outside and they ran out. Hoss got up and leaned near Mary with his hand out.<\/p>\n \u201cWould you like to join me for a walk, miss?\u201d<\/p>\n Mary smiled and nodded while taking his hand and went outside. Ben, Adam and Emma went into the front room and sat on the chair and settee to be comfortable.<\/p>\n \u201cThose two sure have picked their favorite uncle and have them wrapped around their fingers.\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cThey sure do. Joe has been recruiting Jimmy to help with chores around here. He\u2019s doing really well.\u201d Ben \u201cIt\u2019s good to see Mary smiling after what happened earlier.\u201d Emma replied.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n Emma explained about the Indian and also what the kids had said about Mary and Jimmy not being Cartwrights. Adam and Ben looked at her in surprise.<\/p>\n \u201cI explained to her why Adam adopted them and that they are Cartwrights no matter what anyone says.\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cPoor Mary! I\u2019m glad she\u2019s shielded Jimmy from it. She\u2019s a good sister. I\u2019m afraid of what he\u2019d do if he had heard. He would probably stop talking again. I enjoy seeing him run around and listening to his chatter.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cI was thinking that next weekend we should go camping. What do you think?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cThat would be wonderful. The kids have never been. I think they\u2019d enjoy it.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, before I forget, Mary told me that she wanted to discuss with you about what to do for both of your birthdays this weekend. I asked if she wanted a party but she refused and said to talk to you about it since it\u2019s your birthday also.\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll talk to her later about it. Thank you for telling me.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go out and talk to the kids about camping.\u201d Ben suggested.<\/p>\n The three got up and went outside.<\/p>\n They found Hoss and Mary on the porch talking about animals, nature and whatever else they could talk about.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are Joe and Jimmy?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cLast I knew they were in the barn.\u201d Hoss said looking up at his older brother.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get them.\u201d Emma said and walked to the barn.<\/p>\n \u201cEverything all right?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cJust fine. Pa suggested we go camping next weekend.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019ll be fun.\u201d Hoss replied.<\/p>\n Just then they heard a splash and Emma\u2019s surprised yelp which then turned into a chewing out. They ran to the barn and saw Emma stand in the doorway soaking wet and angry.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you two do?\u201d Ben demanded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe put a bucket above the door and Emma opened the door and it got her wet.\u201d Joe explained.<\/p>\n \u201cYou both had shocked expressions on your faces. I take it Emma wasn\u2019t the intended target. Who was it?\u201d Adam Joe hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was for Hoss and Mary.\u201d Jimmy whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy those two?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n Jimmy sighed and looked down at his feet.<\/p>\n \u201cBecause I wanted to play a prank on them. Joe told me what we could do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cJoseph, you know better.\u201d Ben scolded.<\/p>\n \u201cJimmy, you also know better.\u201d Adam scolded his son.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get Emma into something dry.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n Adam led Emma to the house. When they got into the house Emma turned to Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cI told you your brother was a bad influence.\u201d<\/p>\n She then started to laugh. Adam began to laugh with her.<\/p>\n \u201cTheir faces were funny when they realized who it was. I wanted to laugh but I didn\u2019t want Jimmy to know this was proper behavior.\u201d Emma said as she calmed down.<\/p>\n \u201cI agree. Let\u2019s get you changed. Your lips are starting to turn blue and your teeth are chattering.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n He led her upstairs. They had spent many evenings in the past at the house and they learned to keep spare clothes in the armoire in Adam\u2019s old room.<\/p>\n Adam\u2019s and Mary\u2019s birthdays had come to the Ponderosa. They had a small party with just the family. Mary received a doll from her parents and Jimmy, a new saddle from Joe, a Palomino horse from Hoss which she named Major and a red dress from Ben. She was thrilled with all of the gifts she had received. This was her first birthday with her new family. She had never received gifts from the orphanage.<\/p>\n Adam received a pocket watch from Emma which had an inscription in it that said \u201cTo my beloved husband. My love to you always, Emma.\u201d His father bought him a new pocket knife. He noticed Adam\u2019s had started to wear out. Hoss and Joe bought Adam a new gun that was for hunting.<\/p>\n They played games in the front of the house. Ben even joined in then ended up on the porch watching everyone running after each other. He had a wide smile on his face. For the millionth time he knew he was a very rich man for the family he had. Three strapping sons, a caring, sweet and yet strong headed daughter-in-law whom he admired and two grandchildren who were happy, healthy and were needed in this family. He laughed as he heard Mary and Jimmy squeal in surprise when Adam ran to catch them. Emma saw Ben on the porch and joined him.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fun watching my boys play as if they were Mary\u2019s and Jimmy\u2019s ages.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is. The children love playing with Adam at night. I have to get after him at times during bedtime when he gets \u201cYou\u2019re a good mother to those children. They needed you and Adam for parents. Adam sings your praises just as much as you do him.\u201d Ben said looking at her and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Ben. I\u2019ll admit I still wonder if I\u2019m a good wife and mother after all that\u2019s happened.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben reached over and took Emma\u2019s hand and looked her square in the eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, you are a wonderful wife and mother. You have done nothing to lose Adam\u2019s love. He doesn\u2019t blame you about the deaths of your children. He\u2019s told me on many occasions how you\u2019ve changed him for the better and how he falls in love with you more and more as the days pass by. You know Adam doesn\u2019t express his feelings often. He does more because of you. Emma, you need not worry if you\u2019re a good wife and mother because you are. The children are happy. I\u2019m very proud to have you for my daughter-in-law. You\u2019re doing just fine.\u201d \u201cThank you, Ben.\u201d she whispered and squeezed his hand as she smiled at him.<\/p>\n He smiled back and winked at her. He released her hand and went inside. A few minutes later he came out with a cake and Hop Sing trailed behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s sing Happy Birthday to Adam and Mary and then we can have some cake.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n They sang the song and after, Adam and Mary blew out the candles and everyone cheered and clapped. The cake was cut and the pieces distributed. After a while Adam and his family gathered the gifts and headed home<\/p>\n During the week, Emma had been trying to get things together for their camping trip but it was hard to get anything done with two children arguing over something and underfoot. Adam picked up on Emma\u2019s frustrations and decided to take the kids to visit at the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you sure you don\u2019t need help? I can see if Joe and Hoss will watch them and I can come back and help.\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it\u2019s fine. I can do this alone. I just need a bit of peace and quiet and get my thought\u2019s together.\u201d Emma said smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right. We\u2019ll be back in a couple of hours.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n Emma nodded. Adam kissed her and left with the kids.<\/p>\n An hour later while getting the kids\u2019 bedrooms cleaned, Emma heard screams. She looked out the window and saw Indians rushing down the hill on their horses. Renegades. She knew that\u2019s who they were. She could have sworn she saw a few white men because of how they were dressed. Fear flooded her. They had torches and as they grew closer to the house, they threw the torches at the window shattering the glass and starting fires in the lower part of the house. Emma smelled smoke as she raced downstairs and out the back door. She was spotted by an Indian and he shot her in the back with an arrow. She fell to the ground unconscious as the renegades rode off and the house burned.<\/p>\n Rain began to fall as the Cartwrights arrived at the house. They had finished branding cattle and went to the house for supper.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll go get Emma.\u201d Adam announced.<\/p>\n He turned his horse around and headed for their home. He nodded to a neighbor as he rode up.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, I need to tell you something. Ben, there\u2019s renegades. They\u2019ve burned down homes and killed people.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam and Ben looked at each other as fear flooded them thinking about Emma.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you know about my place?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYour house has been burned. I didn\u2019t see anyone around so I figured you were all here.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam didn\u2019t hear anymore and raced off.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Mike, for bringing the news.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cI hope Emma is all right. I\u2019ll be on my way.\u201d Mike said and rode off.<\/p>\n Ben was grateful the children were in the house and didn\u2019t hear the news. Hoss and Joe had come outside to unsaddle their horses when they heard the news. Joe immediately got on his horse and sped to town to get the doctor and sheriff.<\/p>\n Chapter 3<\/p>\n Adam had a hard time seeing through the rain that was now coming down in sheets. He pulled his hat low over his eyes to block some of the rain from his face. He got to the house and saw it in a ruined mess. The rain had put the fire out and the frame was still standing. He got off his horse and started looking for his wife.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma!\u201d he yelled through the rain and thunder that crashed overhead.<\/p>\n He continued to look. Because of the dark clouds it had become hard to see around him. The lightning flashed overhead and Adam saw a lump lying on the ground. He knew it was Emma and ran to her. When he got close he saw an arrow sticking out of her back. His breath caught in his throat. Memories of Inger being killed by an Indian\u2019s arrow went through his mind. He was a child and holding his baby brother sitting in a corner watching around him and watching the only mother he knew die and his father\u2019s grief with the loss of a wife. Adam knelt down by her and felt for a pulse. It was faint but still beating. He breathed a sigh of relief. Adam then broke off part of the arrow so he could hold Emma on the horse. He carefully picked her up which she moaned but didn\u2019t wake up. He got her on the horse and then got up behind her. Adam positioned her when he got on. He had her facing him as a mother would hold her baby so the arrow wouldn\u2019t go in deeper in her back. He rode as quickly as he could to the Ponderosa.<\/p>\n It seemed like months to get Emma to the house but they finally arrived. He saw Doctor Martin\u2019s and Sheriff Coffee\u2019s horses tied up. Hoss burst out of the house like a cannon and rushed to Adam. He reached up to take Emma.<\/p>\n \u201cBe careful she\u2019s got an arrow in her.\u201d<\/p>\n Ben came out to join his sons.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d He asked.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma\u2019s been shot with an arrow. Hoss, don\u2019t let the children see her.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n Hoss nodded and took Emma inside.<\/p>\n \u201cThe doctor and Roy are here.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n Adam nodded and they went in the house.<\/p>\n The doctor removed the arrow and wrapped the wound.<\/p>\n \u201cJust let her rest. She\u2019s not to do anything for about a week. I\u2019ll come back tomorrow and check on her.\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Paul.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n He nodded and left. Ben was sitting in a chair in the corner staring into space. Adam turned to him and walked over.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you all right?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm? Yes, I am. Why do you ask?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were far away. What were you thinking about?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHoss\u2019 mother.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI was too when I saw Emma. My mind went right back to when Inger was killed. I\u2019m grateful that Emma survived since it only hit her in the shoulder but why did Inger have to die?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, son.\u201d Ben replied.<\/p>\n Adam sighed. \u201cI should go check on the children but I don\u2019t want to leave Emma.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll stay here and you go be with them.\u201d Ben volunteered.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Pa.\u201d Adam walked out.<\/p>\n Adam found the kids drawing at the table. Mary looked up from her paper.<\/p>\n \u201cPa?\u201d She asked.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mary?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs Ma going to be all right?\u201d<\/p>\n Jimmy looked up from his paper at stared at his pa.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Mary, she will be. She\u2019s just got a cold from the rain.\u201d Adam said with a smile.<\/p>\n The thunder boomed loud over them and the kids flinched. The door opened and Joe came in from putting the horses in the barn.<\/p>\n \u201cIt sure is a stormy night.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n Joe saw the worry on Adam\u2019s face but didn\u2019t say anything in front of the kids.<\/p>\n \u201cMary, Jimmy you\u2019ll need to clean up now. It\u2019s time for bed.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re staying here?\u201d Jimmy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cUntil your mother gets better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYippee!\u201d The boy shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cJimmy, you need to be quiet so your ma can sleep.\u201d Adam scolded.<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll race you up the stairs, Jimmy.\u201d Mary said.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right.\u201d Jimmy said.<\/p>\n \u201cOn your mark. Get set. Go!\u201d She said and the two thundered up the stairs almost running into Hoss who was He laughed as they scurried past him. When he knew the kids were out of earshot, Adam spoke with his brothers and Roy.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma will be all right. She just needs to rest for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat happened?\u201d Roy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cMike came and said it was renegades. They\u2019d been going around burning homes and killing people. I couldn\u2019t say if \u201cI\u2019ll come by tomorrow and speak with her. I should get going.\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry you had to wait so long and that we don\u2019t have much more information to give you, Roy.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right. I know a little and I\u2019ll keep my eyes and ears open for anything suspicious going around.\u201d Roy said and Adam went upstairs to tuck in the kids. He read to the kids until Jimmy fell asleep. Mary was still awake as he finished the story.<\/p>\n \u201cMary, are you all right?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIs Ma going to die?\u201d Mary asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, she\u2019s not. She\u2019ll be fine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI saw an arrow in her. Was it that Indian that was at the house today?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow did you see it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI saw it really quick. Uncle Hoss was trying to shield her from us. Jimmy didn\u2019t see. May I see Ma?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot tonight. She needs sleep and so do you.\u201d Adam said pulling the covers over her and kissing her forehead.<\/p>\n The next morning everyone but Emma was eating breakfast. Adam and Mary picked at their food because they were worried about Emma.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019ll be all right.\u201d Ben said looking at the father and daughter.<\/p>\n Both nodded but still didn\u2019t eat.<\/p>\n \u201cPa, when will Ma get better?\u201d Jimmy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know, Jim. But we\u2019ll be here for a while for another reason.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s that?\u201d Joe asked.<\/p>\n \u201cOur house burned down.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n There were collective gasps and silverware clanking against the plates and they gaped at Adam in surprise. Not wanting to say anything he got up and walked out. Hoss followed his brother out. He found Adam leaning against the pillar on the porch. Hoss leaned on the other side mirroring his brother by putting his hands in his pocket and crossing his left leg over his right. He looked across the yard waiting for Adam to say something. He didn\u2019t have to wait long.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not fair, Hoss.\u201d Adam whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s not?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cThings keep happening to us. Especially Emma. She gets kidnapped by an old beau, she loses two children and now she\u2019s fighting for her life because she\u2019s been shot and has an infection and also our house is burned down.\u201d<\/p>\n Hoss could hear the quiver in Adam\u2019s voice as he was trying not to cry.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll rebuild your house and Emma will be all right.\u201d Hoss assured.<\/p>\n \u201cI know but this is hard. I don\u2019t know what I\u2019d do without her. I didn\u2019t realize how much I depend on her. She\u2019s the best thing that\u2019s come into my life. I\u2019d be lost without her.\u201d Adam confided.<\/p>\n Hoss smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe feel the same way about her. She\u2019s a wonderful woman.\u201d<\/p>\n They both wiped the tears away, looked at each other and chuckled. Hoss clapped Adam on the shoulder.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma will be just fine.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n Adam nodded and they went back in the house.<\/p>\n Chapter 4<\/p>\n Adam had stayed with Emma the rest of the day. Jimmy and Mary did come in to visit. Hoss and Joe had kept the kids from underfoot after they had come in to see their mother. They were both quiet not sure what to say. Paul had come in to check on Emma and change the dressing.<\/p>\n \u201cHer temperature is up. Everything looks fine in the wound.\u201d Paul said with concern in his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve been doing everything we could.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t doubt you have. Just keep on doing what you\u2019re doing. I\u2019ll come back again tomorrow to check on her.\u201d Paul said.<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Doc.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n Adam sat by the chair next to her bed and started talking to her and pleading for her to stay live. He could no longer hold in the tears and he cried. She was still laying on her stomach and he held her hand.<\/p>\n Sometime during the night, Adam was awakened by Emma\u2019s mumblings. He sat up then leaned in towards her. Emma\u2019s eyes flew open.<\/p>\n \u201cAdam, it was an Indian. They\u2019ll come back and get the kids. Get them away from the house.\u201d She said in a panic and then closed her eyes. Adam felt her head and it was still raging with fever.<\/p>\n Adam thought about Roy. He had come over earlier that day to see how Emma was and to also say that he gathered a posse to find the renegades. He hoped they would get them soon. Adam prayed they\u2019d be found. He had wanted to go with them but he couldn\u2019t leave Emma. Adam had spent time with the kids and would tuck them into bed at night. His thoughts were always with Emma with whatever he was doing.<\/p>\n The next day a bleary eyed Adam walked out of the bedroom to face his family.<\/p>\n \u201cHow is she?\u201d Ben asked.<\/p>\n \u201cHer fever broke about an hour ago.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s wonderful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are the kids?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re playing with Joe and Hoss outside. They were starting to become noisy so I sent them outside so they Adam shook his head no and walked back in the room.<\/p>\n Hours later, Emma woke up and saw Adam with a book in his hand but his eyes were closed. She smiled to herself. She went to move her arm but grunted in pain which woke Adam up.<\/p>\n \u201cEmma, you\u2019re awake. How do you feel?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAwful.\u201d<\/p>\n He put the book on the nightstand and moved closer to her and put his hand on her head.<\/p>\n \u201cHow\u2019s the house?\u201d she asked.<\/p>\n Adam hesitated. \u201cIt was burned down.\u201d<\/p>\n Tears sprang to Emma\u2019s eyes and spilled down her nose.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so sorry.\u201d She whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not your fault, honey. Whether or not you were there they would have burned it down.\u201d Adam whispered back.<\/p>\n Emma didn\u2019t reply.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you up to some broth? I can have Hop Sing make some for you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSure.\u201d<\/p>\n Adam helped her turn over and sit up carefully. Emma winced in pain when she moved.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d Adam apologized.<\/p>\n He got up and went into the kitchen.<\/p>\n Just then the kids came screaming in the house. Adam went in the front room to shush the children before his brothers were even in the house.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry, Adam, we tried to stop them but they just ran in.\u201d Joe apologized.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s fine. Kids, Ma\u2019s awake. Go in quietly to see her.\u201d Adam said.<\/p>\n Mary quietly opened the door and the kids went in and shut the door behind them.<\/p>\n Roy knocked on the open door and walked in.<\/p>\n \u201cRoy, it\u2019s good to see you. How can we help you?\u201d Adam asked.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to tell you we caught the renegades.\u201d Roy said.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s great news.\u201d Adam said with a relieved sigh.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, we caught them when the Bernards family were running away from them. They were lucky to have gotten \u201cDo you know who it was or why they did it?\u201d Hoss asked.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was John Stevens and his gang from the mine. They wanted to do it because they were bored and thought it \u201cBut killing people in the process? Did they find fun in that?\u201d Joe asked in a tight voice.<\/p>\n \u201cThey didn\u2019t say. How\u2019s Emma?\u201d Roy asked turning to Adam.<\/p>\n \u201cShe just woke up.\u201d Adam said with a grin.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s good to hear. Well, I\u2019d best be going. I just wanted to come by and tell you the good news.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks, Roy. I\u2019ll go tell Emma.\u201d Adam said and walked into the bedroom.<\/p>\n \u201cLet us know what happens with the men.\u201d Hoss said.<\/p>\n \u201cI will. See ya.\u201d Roy said and left.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s go see Emma.\u201d Joe said.<\/p>\n Hoss nodded and they went in.<\/p>\n Chapter 5<\/p>\n A month went by the house had been rebuilt by the Cartwrights and their friends and Emma was up and around. Paul told her to take it easy but there were times she still overdid it and got scolded by Adam. She became frustrated working one handed and having to have help. Adam loved every minute of helping his wife dress and wash her hair. He had fallen deeper in love with her. They were sitting on the bed while he brushed her hair. When he was done he\u2019d pull her to him and wrap his arms around her lightly brushing his lips across her neck. She leaned against him enjoying his arms around her.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad you\u2019re doing better.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know how better I really am with my arm in a sling. It\u2019s hard to do anything.\u201d She said.<\/p>\n He chuckled and gently squeezed her. The kids came bursting in the room and jumped on the bed which had made Emma grunt in pain. She tried to hide it by clearing her throat but Adam had heard.<\/p>\n \u201cKids, calm down. You just hurt your mother.\u201d He said.<\/p>\n They bowed their heads and apologized.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s all right. You didn\u2019t know.\u201d Emma said kindly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen are we going camping?\u201d Jimmy asked.<\/p>\n \u201cNot for a while Big Jim. Your ma\u2019s gotta get better first.\u201d Adam replied tousling the boy\u2019s hair.<\/p>\n \u201cAll right.\u201d Jimmy sighed.<\/p>\n They hung the men who had been arrested for killing the settlers. Emma was happy to be in her own home again and not underfoot while at the Ponderosa. In time, her shoulder got better and they did go camping much to Jimmy\u2019s delight. Ben looked at his oldest son who was watching his wife. He walked over to Adam and sat down.<\/p>\n \u201cPenny for your thoughts.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n Adam looked over at his father. \u201cI was just thinking about Emma. I\u2019m grateful she\u2019s alive. And again I was thinking They watched Hoss being chased by the kids then spinning around and catching Jimmy. He squealed in delight and made everyone laugh.<\/p>\n \u201cI wish your mother could have lived also to see what sort of man you grew up to be. And to see your family. A stormy night and injuries can make you think about many things.\u201d Ben said.<\/p>\n \u201cYes it can and make you appreciate what you have.\u201d Adam replied.<\/p>\n Ben smiled and clapped his son on the back and got up to join the rest of the family. Emma took Ben\u2019s spot and wrapped her arms around Adam.\u00a0Yes, stormy nights and injuries can make you think about many things and be grateful for what you have.<\/em>\u00a0Adam thought as he put his arms around her and kissed the top of her head.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n From the Brandsters.\u00a0 The story was originally written and published on the Bonanza Trail Riders site.\u00a0 Brand is happy to offer this story a new home.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n
\nEmma smiled and laughed. She then looked around and noticed a child was missing.<\/p>\n
\ncomplemented.<\/p>\n
\nasked.<\/p>\n
\nthem wound up and they can\u2019t sleep before bed. I don\u2019t do it often because I know how important it is for them to play with him. He needs that release after working hard on the Ponderosa. He is good at calming them down after he\u2019s played with them. He\u2019ll pull out his guitar and start singing lullabys which gets them to sleep quickly. He also reads to them. He\u2019s a wonderful father.\u201d Emma said.<\/p>\n
\nEmma fought back the tears that threatened to appear.<\/p>\n
\ncoming down the stairs.<\/p>\n
\nEmma saw them. We\u2019ll have to ask her when she wakes up.\u201d Adam explained.<\/p>\n
\nwalked out.<\/p>\n
\ndidn\u2019t bother you. Would you like something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\naway. I guess Mrs. Bernards was in the kitchen and heard the noise. She looked out and when she saw them she grabbed her husband who was in the barn and took off runnin\u2019. We found the renegades burning the house. We circled them and they did fight. Some were killed or injured but we did get what was left.\u201d Roy explained.<\/p>\n
\nwould be fun to burn down homes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nabout Inger. I wish she could have survived to see Hoss grow up and see what kind of man he grew up to be.\u201d<\/p>\n